Aurora DXE-218 User manual

USERS GUIDE
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Manual Number: 221207
DXE-218
2 Input 8 Output Splitter with Downscaling
and PoE

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please review the following safety precautions. If this is the first time using this model, then read this manual before
installing or using the product. If the product is not functioning properly, please contact your local dealer or Aurora for
further instructions.
The lightning symbol in the triangle is used to alert you to the presence of dangerous voltage inside the product
that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of electric shock to anyone opening the case. It is also used to indicate
improper installation or handling of the product that could damage the electrical system in the product or in other
equipment attached to the product
The exclamation point in the triangle is used to alert you to important operating and maintenance instructions.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury to you or damage to the product.
Be careful with electricity:
⚫Power outlet: To prevent electric shock, be sure the electrical plug used on the product power cord matches
the electrical outlet used to supply power to the Aurora product. Use only the power adapter and power
connection cables designed for this unit.
⚫Power cord: Be sure the power cord is routed so that it will not be stepped on or pinched by heavy items.
⚫Lightning: For protection from lightning or when the product is left unattended for a long period, disconnect
it from the power source.
Also follow these precautions:
⚫Ventilation: Do not block the ventilation slots if applicable on the product or place any heavy object on top
of it. Blocking the air flow could cause damage. Arrange components so that air can flow freely. Ensure that
there is adequate ventilation if the product is placed in a stand or cabinet. Put the product in a properly
ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or any source of heat.
⚫Overheating: Avoid stacking the Aurora product on top of a hot component such as a power amplifier.
⚫Risk of Fire: Do not place unit on top of any easily combustible material, such as carpet or fabric.
⚫Proper Connections: Be sure all cables and equipment are connected to the unit as described in this
manual.
⚫Object Entry: To avoid electric shock, never stick anything in the slots on the case or remove the cover.
⚫Water Exposure: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose to rain or moisture.
⚫Cleaning: Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners to clean this unit. Always unplug the power to the device
before cleaning.
⚫ESD: Handle this unit with proper ESD care. Failure to do so can result in failure.
FCC
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Trademarks
All trademarks in this document are the properties of their respective owners.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PACKAGE CONTENTS............................................................................................................................................. 4
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ..................................................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................ 5
About ...................................................................................................................................................................5
Features...............................................................................................................................................................5
SKU Front ............................................................................................................................................................6
SKU Rear.............................................................................................................................................................7
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS............................................................................................................................. 8
Cabling and Connection ......................................................................................................................................8
EDID and its Importance .....................................................................................................................................8
HARDWARE INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................. 10
Mounting ............................................................................................................................................................10
IP Control Setup ................................................................................................................................................10
APPLICATIONS....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Example 1: Retail Store Display Distribution.....................................................................................................11
CONNECTOR PIN DEFINITION ............................................................................................................................. 12
HDMI..................................................................................................................................................................12
CAT5e/6/6A .......................................................................................................................................................12
APPENDIX 1............................................................................................................................................................ 13
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................................13
APPENDIX 2............................................................................................................................................................ 14
Firmware Update ...............................................................................................................................................14
APPENDIX 3............................................................................................................................................................ 16
UART Protocol...................................................................................................................................................16
Telnet Protocol...................................................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX 4............................................................................................................................................................ 18
Recommended Network Switches ....................................................................................................................18
APPENDIX 5............................................................................................................................................................ 19
Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX 6............................................................................................................................................................ 20
Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................20

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PACKAGE CONTENTS
Please make sure the following items are included within your package. Contact your dealer if any
items are missing or damaged.
SKU
⚫DXE-218
⚫2 under table/wall mount ears
Power supply is sold separately as unit is PoE.
Note: Go to www.auroramm.com for latest manual and firmware.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
⚫PoE Power Supply
PS0081-1

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INTRODUCTION
About
The DXE-218 is the first ever 8 port 4K60 4:4:4 HDMI® PoE Splitter with downscaling per individual
output. The unit delivers enhanced capabilities such as individual CEC control, EDID management,
Hot Plug Detection, and EDID reporting per output. This is all done through the LAN port for full
control and statistics of all ports.
In addition, the downscaling per port allows 1080p screens to be utilized on the same splitter with a
4K60 source. To round out the solution, the DXE-218 has 2 input ports to select from to change
content remotely.
Features
•2 HDMI® inputs
•8 HDMI® outputs
•4K2K @ 60Hz 4:4:4
•Per port downscaling to 1080p
•10/100 PoE (Power over Ethernet)
•CEC control per port
•EDID management
•Hot plug detection
•EDID reporting
•Front LED status display
•Remote IP Firmware Update
•Auto EDID Management

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SKU Front
LEDs
⚫Power –Power will light red when unit is on.
⚫Input LED –Will light accordingly based on HDMI input selection.
⚫Output LED –Will light HDMI outputs 1-8 accordingly if an output is connected to a display and hot plug is
present.
⚫IP Display –Displays the last digit in the IP octet. Example 10.10.10.1x (x= 1 through 9)
Buttons
⚫Input Select –Selects HDMI input 1 or 2 to be sent to all 8 outputs.
⚫IP Adjust –Will change the IP indicator to the next number. The number is the last digit of the IP octet.
⚫IP Information on RS-232 –Press and hold Up and Down for 5 seconds and the units IP information will
reveal on RS-232 port at 9600 baud 8N1.

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SKU Rear
Rear
⚫Power 12VDC 12 Volt DC power input.
⚫LAN 10/100Mbps LAN. Can power the unit with PoE from injector or switch.
LAN connector LED’s (Rear):
oLeft LED Green = 10/100 Connected
oLeft LED Orange = Activity
⚫USB Firmware Update.
⚫Input HDMI inputs 1 & 2. Only one or the other can be sent to all 8 outputs
⚫Output HDMI outputs 1 through 8

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UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
Cabling and Connection
The DXE-218 is capable of HDMI 2.0 which requires proper 18Gbps HDMI cables to work properly. Always make certain
to use HDMI cables rated for 2.0 18Gbps especially for the length of the cable selected. If active cables are used make
certain to put the transmitter side on the HDMI output(s).
EDID and its Importance
One of the most forgotten setup procedures in AV systems is the EDID. The EDID comes from the destination (display,
VTC, recorder, etc.) and must be saved into the encoder and decoder HDMI input ports. This allows the source (Blu-ray,
computers, etc.) to know the capabilities of the destination.
This includes the audio type if any, video resolution and timing, color space, color depth, and more. If no EDID is present
an HDMI device will revert to lowest resolution in DVI mode which also means no audio. If the wrong EDID is used, the
image may look pink, green, or have no image at all.
To make matters more complex, if different destinations/displays are in use in a matrix configuration, then it is important
to use an EDID with a common denominator or only one or the other destination may work. In an ideal installation, all
the destinations should have the same capabilities for optimal performance. If this is not possible, the DXE-218 will
downscale from 4K to 1080p automatically specific to the output to assist in the compatibility. For example, there are 2
displays, one 1080p, the other 4k UHD. If the EDID of the 4K display is used, the outputs with 1080p display will be
downscaled automatically allowing images to be seen on all displays. If the 1080p EDID is used, then both will see the
image but the 4K will never benefit from 4K content.
Audio can be impacted just as easily. If a destination is 6-channel surround sound capable and the other destination is
not, then the EDID from the 5.1 destination cannot be used, or there will be no audio on the other destination. In most
commercial installations, it should not be an issue to choose the lowest common denominator, which is 2-channel audio,
but in cases where you must have surround sound then a down-mixer for the 2-channel destination must be used.
In some cases, a custom EDID could be created, as the audio and video are mismatched between the destinations. This
can occur for example, when one destination has 4K 2-channel audio and the other 1080p with multichannel surround
sound. If the EDID of the 1080p destination is used, audio will not be present on the 4K destination. If the 4K EDID is

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used, there will be no video present on the 1080p destination. The only way to solve this issue, is a new EDID combining
the common features. In this case an EDID which is set at 1080p with 2-channel audio is the solution.

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HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Mounting
1. The DXE-218 comes with 2 mounting ears for mounting to a wall or under a table. If required, Use the supplied
screws to attach to each side of the DXE-218.
IP Control Setup
1. The default IP is 192.168.1.x. The last octet is determined by the front panel, and can be set to 0-9 only.
2. The last octet can be easily changed from the front panel IP select button. This helps if multiple DXE-218 are
used. Protocol is in the Appendix of this manual.
3. To change the last Octet via front panel IP ADJUST button:
•Press-n-hold front panel button until LED starts to blink. (Approx 5 seconds)
•Release button, and now tap button to cycle digit 0-9.
•Once desired number is selected, repeat press-n-hold until LED is not blinking.
4. Raw/TCP commands are send to <Unit IP addr>:10001
Example: 192.168.1.2:10001
Important
⚫Make certain all units are using the latest firmware.
⚫Remember to setup EDID for proper operation. The DXE-218 has auto EDID. It will transfer the EDID
from Output 1 to Input 1 & 2